Most Kenmore dryer repairs in Novato involve the same few systems: heat, airflow, the drum drive and the controls. Below are independent repair companies serving Novato, with those that mention Kenmore first, then the nearest dryer repair companies.
Independent listings only: Washer and Dryer Repair is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kenmore. If your dryer is still under manufacturer coverage, contact Kenmore directly.
Kenmore appliances were sold through Sears for decades, so many owners look for Sears dryer repair. The companies here are independent technicians who work on Kenmore and Kenmore Elite dryers; they are not Sears.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near Novato
Within 30 miles of Novato there are 40 appliance repair companies in our data. 5 of them are based in Novato itself, and other nearby bases include San Rafael (10), Richmond (6), and Mill Valley (5). Nearest on the list: Novato Appliance Repair Co., around 0.3 miles out. No company within 90 miles of Novato mentions Kenmore by name, so these are the nearest appliance repair companies. Most work on several brands, so ask about yours. Across 19 rated companies, the average public rating is 4.6 stars.
Companies are shown by relevance and distance from Novato. A mention does not mean manufacturer certification, so ask each company about its experience with your dryer.
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 0.3, 1.1, 1.9 |
|---|---|
| List dryer or washer & dryer work | 6 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 60 |
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 41 |
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 11 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
First up for Novato: UniFix Appliance Repair (8.3 miles away, based in San Rafael, 4.9 stars from 94 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (14.6 miles away, based in Richmond, 4.6 stars from 489 reviews, lists Saturday hours); FixWell Appliance Repair (8.4 miles away, based in San Rafael, 4.9 stars from 100 reviews); Marin County Appliance Repair by Hi-Tech (6.2 miles away, based in San Rafael, 4.9 stars from 19 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Kenmore Dryer Lines and Features
What a Kenmore Dryer Technician Deals With
Accela Steam dryers connect directly to the household water supply, so the inlet hose and water pressure (20 to 120 psi) become part of a steam-dryer service check. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Kenmore Dryer Symptoms and First Checks
- Dryer vibrating or noisy. Kenmore says to level the dryer on its four feet without extending them more than needed and keep at least an inch of clearance at the sides and back. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
- Dryer not heating. Kenmore says to check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse and, on gas models, confirm the gas supply is on, noting an electric dryer can tumble without heat on a partial circuit. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Kenmore Dryer Error Codes
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| PF / nP (Elite steam dryers) | A power supply or cord connection problem; check the cord at the terminal block and the house fuse or breaker. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| HS (Elite steam dryers) | The humidity (moisture) sensor has failed; the dryer needs service. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| PS (Elite steam dryers) | The power cord on an electric model is wired incorrectly; check the neutral on the center terminal. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
Kenmore smart washers and dryers can check diagnostics through the Kenmore Smart app or Alexa and send app notices about blocked filters and other machine issues. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite 81782 Smart 7.4 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Accela Steam
Kenmore Dryer Problems Worth a Service Call
- Squealing, thumping or grinding while it runs
- Dryer shuts off a few minutes into the cycle
- Drum turns but the air stays cool
What a Dryer Repair Technician Checks
Owner Care for Kenmore Dryers
- To clean the vent, unplug the dryer, disconnect the duct from the dryer and wall, and vacuum lint from the duct, the wall vent and the back of the dryer. Source: Kenmore - 3 Reasons to Clean Your Dryer Vent (And How to Do It)
- If the lint screen looks clogged when held to the light, scrub it with hot soapy water and a stiff brush and let it dry fully before reinstalling. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Brand guides: Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: Causes and Fixes.
Budgeting for a Kenmore Dryer Repair
Most Kenmore dryer repairs involve common parts and an hour or so of labor. For reference, published cost guides report:
- Drum bearing replacement: $100–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Gas valve coil replacement (gas dryer): $150–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Thermostat replacement: $100–$260 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Drum belt replacement: $150–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Dryer not heating (repair by symptom): $80–$420 Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
- Appliance technician diagnosis, washer (usually waived if hired for the repair): $50–$100 per visit Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
Replacement makes more sense once a dryer is about 10 years old or past half its expected lifespan. Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
Ranges are published estimates, not quotes. See the dryer repair cost guide and how long dryers last.
What to Have Ready for a Kenmore Dryer Call
- What happens when you press Start (no response, hum, runs with no heat, stops early)
- The brand, model and serial number from the label inside the door or on the back panel
- Any error code on the display
Dryer Notes for Novato, CA
Most dryer calls in Novato come down to the same handful of parts: the vent and lint path, the heat source, the belt and rollers, and the door and start switches.
California requires businesses that repair major home appliances such as refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers and dryers for pay to register with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services as Major Home Appliance Service Dealers, including out-of-state providers serving California customers. Source: Application for Registration (Electronic and Appliance Repair Dealers) - Bureau of Household Goods and Services
Gas piping, gas appliance connections and gas safety devices fall within the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification licensed by the Contractors State License Board. Source: C-36 - Plumbing Contractor, Licensing Classifications Detail - CSLB
Questions to Ask a Novato Technician
- Is your company licensed where my state requires it, and insured?
- Do you work on gas dryers, and who handles anything involving the gas line?
- If a part has to be ordered, how soon can you come back to finish?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Novato, CA
Is my Kenmore dryer worth repairing?
Which Novato technicians work on Kenmore?
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
Why do my clothes come out damp?
Related Repair Pages for Novato
More Kenmore Dryer Repair Pages Nearby
Clean the lint screen, check the vent hood outside and note the model number before calling. It rules out the simple causes and speeds up a Kenmore repair.